ITV News has learnt that the owner, Professor Zhang Bi Qing, spent six years building his dream des res.

He's a member of the CPCC, the Chinese People's Consultative Committee, part of the ruling Communist Party structure.

A committee which is meant to channel grass roots views up to the leadership. Locals have suggested that his position may have allowed him to get away which such a blatant abuse of planning regulations.

Given the media coverage, the authorities are now saying the rooftop rock residence will have to be reduced to rubble. Professor Zhang has been given 15 days before demolition begins.